Quetta: In a concerted effort to reduce road accidents and improve public transport services, the Provincial Secretary of the Transport Department, Muhammad Hayat Kakar, chaired a comprehensive review meeting focused on a range of safety and regulatory issues, including the enforcement of traffic laws and the systematic issuance of driving licenses.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the meeting saw the participation of key transport officials including Mumtaz Khetran, Additional Secretary of the Transport Department, and Manzoor Ahmed, Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority Quetta. The officials discussed several initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety on national highways and ensuring the efficiency of public transport systems across the region.

It was determined that strict measures would be implemented to prevent accidents, including ensuring that all public transport vehicles have registration numbers visible to traffic cameras, aiding enforcement by Motorway and Highway Police. The meeting also underscored the importance of computerized and standard-readable registration plates, alongside an online verification system.

Furthermore, the issuance of driving licenses in Quetta will now require both a regular driving test and a medical certificate, with a mandatory drug test also being introduced. The challenges posed by the lack of driving schools were acknowledged, but the commitment to enforcing all driving license policies remains steadfast. The meeting also proposed the establishment of bank guarantees during the issuance of public transport service permits to ensure compliance with regulations.

Secretary Kakar emphasized the vital role of the transport department in public safety and called for updates and amendments to traffic regulations to meet contemporary needs. He highlighted plans for long-term projects aimed at improving the transport sector, which include the establishment of designated areas for driving schools and physical tests to facilitate regular and systematic issuance of licenses and fitness certificates.

The meeting concluded with an inspection tour by Secretary Kakar, who assessed various departmental sections and received briefings on government services, affirming the department’s commitment to enhancing the safety and security of daily commuters in Quetta.